The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit Dorset safety charity

Earlier today, the Earl and Countess of Wessex paid a visit to Weymouth Community Safety Centre to see the work done by SafeWise, a safety charity in Dorset.

SafeWise provides education on fire, health and road safety to local children. They also have a range of facilities, including conference rooms, an IT suite, a cafe and a dance studio, which are available for hire to members of the community.

Edward and Sophie embarked on a tour of the fire station, where they witnessed various activities which are regularly performed by in the centre. They met with the charity’s trustees, and pupils from Conifers Primary School, who were visiting to see a demonstration.

Darren Gunter, the Chief Fire Officer at Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, said “We are delighted to be welcoming Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex to Weymouth Community Safety Centre and Fire Station. This visit gives recognition for the great work being undertaken at the centre to educate and inform children, young people and those most as risk in Dorset’s communities. We are looking forward to discussing this with The Earl and Countess and how we plan to develop SafeWise and Weymouth Community Centre in the future.”

The Earl and Countess of Wessex are currently visiting Weymouth Community Safety Centre to see the work of Safewise – pic.twitter.com/WPfkjeiAd2

Unfortunately, the visit coincided with a strike held by members of the Fire Brigade Union over pension cuts, with firemen picketing outside the centre. However, the Royal visit carried on successfully, despite the hitch.

Before visiting the charity, the Earl and Countess of Wessex performed separate engagements elsewhere in Dorset. Prince Edward visited Superior Seals Limited, a leading manufacturer of high integrity seals and special mouldings. Sophie attended the official opening of the new Lewis-Manning Hospice, a charity offering free care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses. The Countess unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit.

Later, the Royal couple visited Milton Abbey School, a day and boarding co-educational school for pupils between the ages of 13 and 18.

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